Here's Where I Stand:

By David S. Stromberg

The following are my positions on some of the most critical issues confronting the Governing Board of the Lafayette School District:

GATE Program - We must approach our evaluation of the State GATE program within the context of our overall goal of challenging and stimulating every child at every level of academic performance. The implementation of the GATE program in the district must complement our children's connection with and participation in society.

There are opposing viewpoints on the success of the GATE program in our district. I am currently analyzing this important data, and look forward as a member of the Board to using my mediation skills to address the issues raised by the parents in the community. In doing so, I will underscore my commitment to provide a superior education to every facet of our student population.

LASF - The LASF programs have enriched the educational experiences of our children immeasurably by broadening their horizons in science, music and the arts. The tireless efforts of the LASF Board in devising and implementing these pilot programs, in mentoring the teachers in the district and in supplying materials to the classrooms cannot be commended enough.

LASF's current interaction with the district in the implementation of the LASF programs is a success. As a member of the School Board, I will advocate the maintenance of this successful relationship so that our children continue to receive the invaluable benefits from these programs.

Teacher Training and Support - The passage of the Peer Assistance and Review Program (PAR)in California and the abolishment of the California Mentor Teachers Program will result in a significant transformation in the training of certain teachers in the district, toward teachers receiving unsatisfactory performance evaluations and away from the mentoring of new and untenured teachers. The additional funds the district will receive by completing its negotiations for the implementation of PAR by June 2000 should be used to re-establish a mentor teachers program for new and untenured teachers, as well as to provide the teachers with appropriate assistance, including teacher aides in the classroom, to obtain the best possible education for our children.

Class Size - Projected class sizes in Lafayette this year range from 22-28 students/class in grades 4-5 to over 30 students/class at Stanley. Certainly, not every student in classes of this size can receive the necessary individualized attention that will stimulate and challenge their intellectual growth. At the same time, an expansion of the class size reduction (CSR) program into grades 4-8 will involve tough budgetary considerations and logistical problems in Lafayette. The benefits to be derived from small class sizes and individualized attention merit strong review and consideration by the Board in its allocation of its limited budgetary resources. Revenue generated by the passage of the Parcel Tax should be used to reduce class sizes.

School Renovation/Construction - The district's focus is now on Burton Valley Elementary and Stanley Middle Schools. The Board received disturbing information at its August meeting that its present intentions to expend $1.9 million to renovate three wings at Stanley may need to be revisited to consider seismic upgrades and the inclusion of air conditioning. The district's architect has proposed that, in lieu of performing the intended renovation, the Board should consider tearing down the three wings to their foundations and building new construction.

As a Board member, I will call upon my experience as an attorney whose practice over the past 20 years has involved construction law to evaluate whether the additional $1 million to $2.1 million required for new construction at Stanley constitutes the best use of its limited budgetary resources. I will also consider what other components of the budget would be affected if the decision is made to proceed with new construction. While most parents would prefer to have new construction over renovation, my role as a Board member will be to insure that the expenditure of budgetary resources focuses primarily on the improvement of the quality of the education our children receive.

Communication - The Board needs to improve its communication with the community at large. The Board members must be more accessible and responsive to the parents and taxpayers in Lafayette, and not just to those who attend and are vocal at the Board meetings. It is inappropriate for the parents in this community not to know how or where to get in touch with School Board members to express their views on current issues and concerns. I intend as a member of the Board to be in better communication with the parents and taxpayers of Lafayette.